Thursday, December 29, 2016

It’s time
once again to review my year and see what things I have experienced for the
first time during the last twelve months. I’m a believer in lifelong learning.
A look back helps me evaluate how I am doing in this lifelong quest. Here are a
few of the things I experienced for the first time in 2016.

I had my first paid cross country coaching gig. I’ve been volunteering for years. The pay was a nice perk!

Part of my team!

Ran into a stranger while he was reading one of my books in the Costco food court!

First Christmas Day without my youngest child. He was caught in a snowstorm and couldn’t make it home. We missed him!

I also published with Power Point for the first time (sometimes I’m a slow learner), mowed a lawn with my grandson for the first time (he’s two), and solved a Perplexus puzzle for the first time!

I can’t wait
to see what’s new in 2017!

Tell me
about your year. What did you do or learn how to do for the first time?

Running Granny Green encourages women, especially grandmothers, to gain greater fitness by providing tips and inspiration to insure long years of joyful grand-parenting. The cookie recipes are a bonus!

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Runners are the toughest people I know. Bust Your Bells FunRun 2016 proves it. The morning dawned (Well, I guess it dawned. We hadn’t seen
the sun in a while) breezy and cold! By race time the winds that were gusting
to 22 mph the evening before had slowed to under 5 mph. The temperature? That
was another story. I worried that no runners would show.

As I checked and rechecked my weather app I prayed the sub-zero temps would rise. I awaited phone calls from participants apologizing and
begging off. None came. I watched the temperature climb, ever so slowly. I
checked our facebook page. There were expressions of dread, but nobody was
backing out.The race was on!

Food Bank Donation

This fun run is a small town event with the local foodbank
as the beneficiary. Runners donate non-perishable food items as their
registration fee. Commemorative shirts can be purchased, but they are not necessary
for participation. However, who wouldn’t want one of these?

The starting bells jingled at 10:09am or 10:11am sharp, just
like always! Hey, we were waiting for warmer temps. It was a balmy 6 degrees
above zero with very little wind. The sun even attempted to break through the
cold haze. Runners slipped and slid their way along a 5K, 10K, and a modified
1.34 mile course. Most of those brave souls opted for the 5K with a handful of
particularly tough folks running the full 10K course. Times were slow and faces
were frosty, but everyone was smiling as they slid into the finish line. Nobody froze to death and nobody was injured.

Running Granny Green encourages women, especially grandmothers, to gain greater fitness by providing tips and inspiration to insure long years of joyful grand-parenting. The cookie recipes are a bonus!

Monday, December 5, 2016

In my last post, Winter Running Motivation for Beginners, I
mentioned a runner’s need for reflective gear during the winter. Reflective
running gear is essential any time you are on the road in low visibility
whether it be early morning, evening, or in the middle of a snowstorm. (Yes, I’ve
done that.) I’ve listed below some of my favorite reflective items that will
keep you safe and won’t slow you down!

Adjustable Headlamp –

You need one of these for two reasons. First, it helps
oncoming cars see you. Drivers are sure to spot a bobbing LED light headed
their way! Second, you can adjust the beam so it lights up the road in front of
you. This is very important for runners like me who tend to locate potholes
with their feet! The lamp can be worn directly on your head or over a running
hat.

Reflective Running Vest –

I like Amphipod’s Xinglet running vest (pictured). It is
light, super reflective, and adjustable. The strappy design doesn’t interfere
or impede movement. It’s great for summer running, too, because it doesn’t add
another layer to an already warm torso.

Reflective Snap Bracelet –

Yes, it’s a bracelet … or an anklet. The one pictured is
from Bell. You can even wear it on your upper arm if you want. Slap it around
your wrist or ankle and off you go. Moving even more than the bobbing head
lamp, the snap bracelet will also catch a driver’s eye.

Flashing Arm Light –

This adjustable light by Duracell can be set to glow white,
red, green, blue, yellow, or purple! It has a steady beam or you can adjust it
to flash. This is another lightweight and affordable safety item that can be
worn on the upper arm or attached to a belt or vest. Set it to flashing red and
wear it on the back of your reflective vest for added visibility from behind.

Do you have a reflective safety item you would like to share? Tell us about it in the comments below.

Running Granny Green encourages women, especially grandmothers, to gain greater fitness by providing tips and inspiration to insure long years of joyful grand-parenting. The cookie recipes are a bonus!

Friday, December 2, 2016

Uh-oh! It’s winter and you may have lost your motivation for
running! Perhaps you began running in the summer and adjusting to the colder
temps is proving quite a challenge. The wicking t-shirts and capri running
tights you obtained to help you look and feel like a runner aren’t going to
help when the thermometer dips below your comfort zone! The winter holiday
celebrations are sure to present their own challenges with piles of goodies,
not to mention the crunch they present on your discretionary time.

How are you going to stay motivated? How will you stay warm
enough to run? How will you find the time to run while your To-Do list
continues to grow? Here are some Dos and Don’ts that might help.

Don’t panic …

Running, like everything in life, has its seasons. Consider
winter the maintenance season. Unless you live in the tropics, you won’t find
many marathons to join in the winter months. Stick with a lighter schedule
logging fewer miles and perhaps 2 – 3 running workouts per week. Remember, the
weather will warm again and race season will be in full swing! You’ll get back
in shape.

Do participate in a Fun Run on occasion …

Remember, it’s a “fun” run. Join your friends in a local holiday
walk/run, gather for lunch or hot cocoa and cookies after (Yeah, you earned it),
exchange gifts, and knock that task off your To-Do list. You may have to be the
encourager here, but I promise it is a rewarding role.

Do join a group …

Running clubs, running buddies, even virtual groups can be
effective in keeping you honest and accountable. Find a local group or create
one of your own. Mark Zuckerberg did it and so did I! Check out A Mile for MyHeart on Facebook and feel free to join me.

Shorter days present a real challenge for runners,
especially if you work an 8 to 5 job. If you are going to run outside, invest
in some affordable reflective gear. A head lamp might look and feel goofy, but
it will keep you visible and light up those pesky potholes. Be safe out there!

Last of all …

Don’t feel guilty!

You’ve got a lot of living to do and running might help you
buy some extra days or years. Be sure to enjoy every one!

Running Granny Green encourages women, especially grandmothers, to gain greater fitness by providing tips and inspiration to insure long years of joyful grand-parenting. The cookie recipes are a bonus!Happy Running!

Buy it Now!

Running Helps

A Beautiful Run

Privacy Policy

The privacy of our visitors is of extreme importance to us. This document outlines the types of information received and collected by www.runninggrannygreen.blogspot.com and how it is used.

Running Granny Green does not share personal information with third-parties nor do we store information we collect about your visit to this blog for use other than to analyze content performance through cookies, which you can turn off at any time by modifying your Internet browser’s settings.

We are not responsible for the republishing of content found on this blog on other Web sites or media without our permission, or for the privacy policy of other sites to which we may link.

Disclaimer

I am a grandma and I run. I am not a professional health coach, chef, or therapist. I am an encourager. I share what works for me in hopes that it will motivate readers to set goals, try new things, and otherwise improve their lives.

The content on this blog is for information purposes only and no guarantees are made concerning the accuracy, reliability, and completeness of that information. The blogger behind this website accepts no responsibilities for errors or omissions on the site.

Remember that any advice, tips, or recommendations you receive from this blog are not to be substituted for professional advice, please consult with a medical professional before starting any new exercise or diet plans. Visitors should take actions based on the information provided at their own risk, as the blog owner is not responsible for any losses, damages, or injuries, that occur as result.